Wisconsin to host national Brown Swiss convention, youth heifer show

Wisconsin to host national Brown Swiss convention, youth heifer show

Brown Swiss enthusiasts from across the country will turn Wisconsin into “Swissconsin” this summer as the 2013 National Brown Swiss Convention comes to Milwaukee. Set for July 3 to 6, 2013 at the Milwaukee Marriott West, the National Brown Swiss Convention will attract over 250 dairy producers and enthusiasts looking to learn, network and share their passion for the dairy industry.

“We’re very excited about hosting the National Brown Swiss Convention and National Junior Heifer Show,” says Rick Thompson, President of the Wisconsin Brown Swiss Association. “Our state has a long history of developing some of the best Brown Swiss cows and herds in the breed. Wisconsin also has more Brown Swiss in it than any other state, and we’re excited to show breeders from across the country the quality of cattle and people we have here.”
A highlight of the 2013 Swissconsin convention will be the Nelson E. McCammon National Junior Heifer Show, July 4, 2013, at the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. Wisconsin hosted the first National Junior Heifer Show in 2005 in Janesville, and will be again offering youth an opportunity to see how their heifers stack up with others from across the country. Dozens of prizes are already secured for the show, ensuring that all who come will go home with something they can remember the experience by, in addition to the memories they’ll make.

The show is being named for Nelson McCammon, the 1959 Klussendorf Trophy winner and influential herdsman who managed notable herds such as Curtis Candy Company Dairy, Norvic Farm, Red Brae Brown Swiss, CB Farms and Rolling Acres Guernseys. McCammon passed away nearly a year ago.

“Nelson was such a good supporter of youth activities in our state, and across the country. It really meant a lot to him,” Thompson said. “With the show in Wisconsin, it was an easy decision for us to name it in his honor. We expect a number of high quality heifers and I’m sure he would be proud of the show we’re planning to host.”

The convention will kick off with an Opening Night Celebration at the Harley Davidson Museum on July 3 providing breeders a chance to see a unique part of Wisconsin and Milwaukee. July 4 is youth day, and will include the Nelson E. McCammon National Junior Heifer Show as well as the National Brown Swiss Fun Auction, the largest fundraiser for the year for youth activities. Both events will be held at the Wisconsin State Fair Park.